How Trauma Can Impact Sexual Desire—And How to Heal
Sexual intimacy can be one of the most fulfilling experiences in life. But for many individuals in Maryland and Texas, trauma—especially emotional, physical, or sexual trauma—can deeply affect how safe, connected, or even interested they feel in sexual relationships. Even while within relationships we can experience trauma through abuse, betrayal trauma, and even religious trauma. At Healing Intimacies, I understand how complex this journey can be. That’s why I offer specialized sex and trauma therapy to help you heal, rediscover your desires, and reclaim your sense of self.
Trauma responses show up differently in everyone, and it’s a brave step to begin to reclaim the effects on your life.
The Link Between Trauma and Sexual Desire
Trauma, particularly when it involves violations of trust or bodily autonomy, can create profound emotional and physiological impacts. For some, the experience results in a complete shutdown of sexual desire. For others, it may lead to confusing cycles of hypersexuality, disconnection during intimacy, or feelings of shame and guilt.
Trauma impacts sexual desire through:
Dysregulation of the nervous system- this can be experienced in the physical (e.g. headaches, fatigue, mental load capacity at its max), emotionally (e.g. anxiety, mood swings, depression), and cognitively (e.g. memory problems, difficulty concentration, constantly on alert)
Fear-based avoidance of vulnerability- deeply impacting a persons ability to trust, feel safe, and create protective behaviors so they won’t harm themselves further (e.g. thinking if you open up it will be seen as weakness to be exploited)
Flashbacks or body memories during intimacy- reminders of past events that can create tearfulness, loss of present pleasure, and feelings of disconnection from your partner.
Low self-esteem and body image issues- where a persons worth is tied to their body image.
Underlying depression or anxiety- it can be one or the other but depression and anxiety often co-occur, and one can contribute to the development of the other.
These reactions are not signs of brokenness—they are survival mechanisms. But over time, they can interfere with romantic relationships, emotional closeness, and even one’s sense of identity.
You're Not Alone—Especially in Maryland and Texas
Whether you're in Austin, Dallas, Houston, Baltimore, Fells Point, or Silver Spring, many are quietly struggling with the same questions:
Why don’t I feel sexual anymore?
Will I ever feel safe in my body again?
How can I enjoy intimacy after what I’ve been through?
Why do I avoid sex and physical closeness?
Healing Intimacies offers safe, compassionate space and clinically informed therapy to help you begin again.
How Sex and Trauma Therapy Can Help
At Healing Intimacies, Aara specialized in trauma-informed sex therapy—a therapeutic approach that addresses both the psychological and physical dimensions of trauma recovery. Whether you're healing from childhood abuse, sexual assault, betrayal trauma, or complex PTSD, I work with you at your own pace.
Key benefits of sex and trauma therapy include:
Restoring connection with your body
Reclaim sexual pleasure without fear
Processing past trauma without re-traumatization
Build confidence in your body and boundaries
Learning safe, consensual, and pleasurable touch
Rebuilding sexual confidence and desire
Strengthening communication in intimate relationships
I integrate approaches like ACT, CBT, Somatic Experiencing, and Mindful Touch Therapy, tailored to your unique history and healing goals.
Healing Is Possible—And It Starts with One Step
No matter where you are on your healing journey, it’s never too early—or too late—to seek support. In both Texas and Maryland, I am here to guide you toward healing with expertise, empathy, and care.
If you're ready to explore trauma-informed sex therapy in Maryland or Texas, reach out today for a confidential consultation. I am here to help you reconnect—with your body, your desires, and your sense of wholeness.
Ready to Begin?
Contact Healing Intimacies today to schedule your free consultation. As a DMV native I am proudly serving Maryland, and Texas with virtual services available!